Cochin was once controlled by the United Provinces; it was ceded to the United Kingdom in the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814 in exchange for the island of Banca.
Fort Kochi, situated on the Fort Kochi/Mattancherry peninsula, is the historical part of the city and home to most of the tourist attractions, such the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets and the Santa Cruz Basilica. Most economic activity is now centred in Ernakulam, however.